Vuzix today announced it has completed all production tooling and regulatory testing and has begun shipments of the M100 Smart Glasses. Production units are first being delivered to M100 registered developers and existing backorders. As a result, the M100 is now available for non-developer orders on the Vuzix website http://www.vuzix.com/augmented-reality/products_m100ag.html Volume shipments to channel and new direct customers are expected to commence in December. Here's more info on the Vuzix M100 Smart Glasses:

Smart GlassesSmart Glasses are a wearable display system with onboard intelligence. They can range from wearable display systems with only rudimentary data display capabilities to products that rely upon remote cloud connectivity for application and data processing, up to devices such as the M100 that incorporate a complete Android system comparable to current smartphones.

The Android system embedded in the M100 is able to run many thousands of existing Android apps plus Android apps customized or created exclusively for its unique design.

Video DisplayA 16:9, WQVGA, full color display floats in or near your line of sight, providing an image visually equivalent to a 4 in. smartphone screen held at a typical 14 in. distance. Display arm adjustments, display tilt, and left or right eye mounting options, enable you to position the M100 for maximum effectiveness and viewing comfort. A convenient display shield maximizes visibility in bright outdoor sunlight and the small display size minimizes the visual blockage of the real-world view.

Wearable MountingWhich is your dominant eye? Two mounting solutions are provided with the M100, an adjustable over-the-head system as well as a safety-glass solution. Both allow for left or right eye use. The image in the M100 display rotates to accommodate either eye.

ControlsHow do you control apps and features with a wearable hands-free device? With the M100 smart glasses, you are free to choose the interface method best suited to you and your application. Four control buttons on the M100, a traditional smartphone software interface and controls running remotely on a paired Android device, through voice navigation, or using gesture controls, the M100 supports them all.

Local: In Local mode, applications are loaded onto and run directly on the M100 using its onboard processor and memory.

HUD: HUD mode utilizes apps loaded and run on a paired Android device where the M100 serves as a Heads Up Display.

Collaborative: Collaborative mode employs the power of both the M100 and a paired Android device. Applications written specifically for this operating mode are able to communicate and collaborate to maximize performance.Each of these operating modes can be run with or without an active Internet connection.

CameraThe M100's integrated camera captures 5 megapixel still images and 1080p high-definition video. Video and image capture can be stored directly on the M100's memory (expandable up to 32 GB) or streamed live. Where privacy may be a concern when recording video, a "video recording indicator" light on the face of the M100 provides an alert, the same as that accepted for use with video cameras around the world.

AudioAs hinted by the M100's form factor, audio out is provided to a single ear. Dual microphones provide audio recording and voice input with noise cancelation.

RuntimeBattery life or "runtime" is an important consideration, especially in mission critical business, professional and industrial applications. With so many factors affecting power draw, such as the use of wireless connectivity, display brightness camera usage and more, it is impossible to accurately predict your personal runtime. To alleviate runtime concerns, regardless of your usage scenario, the M100 provides a trifecta of power options: a high capacity rechargeable internal battery, an external USB mini-B power port, plus an external battery pack extending the internal battery's staying power seven fold.